This episode of The Nonprofit Report features the team behind Hospital de la Familia Foundation, an organization transforming healthcare access and capacity in Guatemala’s rural regions.
Guests:
Luis Guzman, General Manager, Hospital de la Familia
Susan Lindheim, MD, Maternal and Child Wellness & Education Chair
Andy Sorensen, Eye Center Committee Chair
Maggie Carlson, RN, Medical Team Coordinator
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Hospital de la Familia was founded over 45 years ago by an Italian priest and U.S. medical volunteers. Since then, the hospital evolved from serving a local coffee plantation community to providing services within a 100-kilometer radius, including Mexico.
- The hospital offers various health services.
- Pediatric services evolved from visiting specialists to full-time Guatemalan pediatricians providing outreach and community education.
- Eye care has transitioned from U.S. volunteer surgeries to a fully staffed local ophthalmology training center. The Eye Center now completes 4,000 surgeries annually, aiming for 12,000-15,000 by 2030.
- Training programs have recruited and retained Central American ophthalmologists, dramatically increasing local surgical capacity.
- Long-term goals include expanding facilities, upgrading surgical theaters, and scaling services regionally.
Other Points on Hospital de la Familia Foundation:
What began as periodic U.S. medical missions is now a hybrid model blending volunteer support with permanent, local professional leadership. Visiting teams bring mentorship and specialized care, while Guatemalan doctors deliver daily services. Knowledge transfer, technology investment, and resilient protocols ensure that growth is both strategic and sustainable.
Hospital de la Familia invests in developing local human resources—from surgeons to social workers—creating a system where indigenous professionals can thrive. By providing modern technology, competitive salaries, mentorship, and a supportive community, the hospital attracts and retains skilled professionals committed to rural healthcare.
Plans include expanding the Eye Center, renovating aging facilities, and extending healthcare outreach to even the most remote villages. Leaders emphasize that while financial investment is important, building resilient systems, empowering local talent, and sustaining community trust are the true keys to enduring impact.
Hospital de la Familia Foundation demonstrates that sustainable healthcare solutions are built through respect, partnership, and a commitment to long-term transformation.